'No-refusal' DUI crackdown yields three arrests

The arrests came as part of the sixth "no-refusal" crackdown in the county. Under the program, prosecutors are on-call to draft search warrants to be served on suspected drunken drivers who refuse to provide blood or breath evidence to police.

The most recent actions took place Dec. 31 into early New Year 's Day and involved six police agencies, primarily in the northern and central parts of the county.

Of the three people arrested, one initially refused to provide a breath sample, but relented and eventually gave a blood sample after being served with a warrant.

Declining to provide a sample results in a suspension of driving privileges, but potential repeat DUI offenders often prefer a suspension instead of the revocation that would come with a second DUI conviction, authorities say. Lack of evidence makes convictions more difficult to obtain.

Previous "no-refusal" actions have resulted in more than a dozen arrests, although they were conducted over longer periods, noted Assistant Kane County State's Atty. Steve Sims.

McMahon said he was not disappointed with the total of arrests. He said he took it as a sign that more people were choosing to not drink and drive.

"There were a lot of taxicabs out on the roadways, and that's what we want," McMahon said.The program was initiated during the administration of State's Atty. John Barsanti, who resigned last year to accept a judgeship. McMahon said he intends to keep the program, which he says enjoys the support of local police forces and the public.

"There are none that are currently planned, but there will be more no-refusal weekends in the future," McMahon promised.